By Cedric Nkungula
Malawi’s First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera, has joined a distinguished assembly of First Ladies from around the world for a three-day Certified Executive Leadership Training in Health and Development in the United States of America.
This event is being held at the Ford Foundation Centre for Social Justice in New York.
The training, which has been organised by the Global First Ladies Academy (GFLA) and Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit inherent in global health initiatives.
In partnership with the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the Alliance of Spouses of Heads of State and Representatives of Latin America (ALMA), the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN), and the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, this training aims to enhance leadership in public health and development.
The Global First Ladies Academy (GFLA) leverages the powerful network of the Global First Ladies Alliance, regional networks, and the century-long expertise of Columbia University in the field of public health to provide support to First Ladies in their important roles.
The programme provides a platform for discussing a wide range of topics, including cancer prevention, communicable and chronic disease management, maternal and child health, climate change, health systems, mental health, and gender equity in access to capital.
The discussions are based on current trends, critical research, and sustainable evidence-based approaches to health and development challenges.
Established in 2009, the GFLA has collaborated with over 79 First Ladies, empowering them to lead impactful health and development initiatives in their respective countries.
Its inaugural academy, launched in 2023 in partnership with Columbia University and OAFLAD, included participants from Botswana, Burundi, The Gambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
The participants covered important topics such as effective leadership, strategic policymaking, public health system strengthening, HIV/AIDS, women’s cancers, and HPV.
A significant highlight was a roundtable discussion with US First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, emphasising the importance of global partnerships.
The 2024 Academy, hosted at the Ford Foundation Centre for Social Justice, commenced on July 10 and concludes on July 12.
This year’s gathering is held in partnership with Columbia University, Ford Foundation, USAID, GE HealthCare, Merck, and PepsiCo.
